The Kenosha telegraph. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1860-1888, 1887-09-09
INDUSTRIAL EDUCATION-A
NEW ERA COMING.

Industrial education has been often
mentioned in the TELEGRAPH, but
never with the confidence that it was
a reform near at hand; its introduce
ti0n was treated as question of time.
But it has now been given prominence
In this state, and assigned fixed
standing with our other state educa-
ti0nal institutions. 1t is gratifying to
know that industrial education is now
suitably provided for in connection
with the State University at Madison,
and that hand training hereafter as
well as head instruction will receive
the attention it demands. No student
can be wholly fitted to enter upon the
activities of life with book instruction
alone; the hands, too, need to be edu-
Gated TO meet the possible exigencies
of the future. An intelligent writer
in the Sentinel remarks Industrial
training is fast becoming, if not al
ready, fixed factor in the great sys-
tenn of education, not only in this but
in all countries-not only in universi-
ties and the higher institutions Of
learning, but in a measure in the
p ublic school system" This may i'm
press some readers as impracticable,
but come to pass it will, because there
Is a growing necessity for it. Instruc-
ton in the useful trades will be inn
parted at no distant day in our public
schools If not in all, in sufficient
number in each county or town. The
demand for expansion of our present
public school system has become
urgent. 1t is stated foreign workmen
are having preference given them in
our eastern cities in obtaining employ
ment where skill is required. This is
because in many European countries,
especially Prussia and the smaller
German states, industrial schools have
been in operation for years, and young
men have been taught the use of
implements in the various branches of
mechanical industry. People who
have had such advantages more readily
obtain employment in any branch of
business where skill is necessary. The
native-born young men, who have
been educated in the best schools in
book learning only, are ignorant of the
use of mechanical tools of any sort;
they can use the pen. write letters,
keep book accounts. or, if some OPEN
ing offers, they can measure tape and
calico in dry goods store. The
country is getting full of tradeless
boys and young men, and since only a
limited number can live by book learn
ing, other. avenues for their employ
ment must be provided. Book learn
ing is good for all. and its value can
not be over-estimated, but it cannot
alone furnish food and clothing for
but few.
Probably many of our readers are
not aware to what extent this state
has made provision for giving indus.
trial and mechanical instruction in the
various trades. which are of practical
Importance. Without describing the
large and commodious buildings which
have been constructed at Madison
with special adaptations to the uses to
which they are designed, only brief
summary of the equipments for work
in the buildings will be noticed. The
shops are equipped with lathes, drills,
planer, shaper,;e milling machines
ample benches and bench tools, wood
lathes and full set of wood working
machines, portable FORCES. power blow
ers and cupo!a and brass furnace. The
power is supplied by nfty-horse
power automatic engine.
Wisconsin is now fully committed
TO this advanced movement for indus
trial education, and if the friends of
progress give it the cooperation it
merits, Wisconsin will soon take rank
with the foremost states of the Union
IL educational interests.